Window assembly with transparent regions having a performance enhancing slit formed therein

0001This application claims the interests of US Provisional Application No. 61/79358, filed March 15, 2013.

0002The present invention generally relates to window assemblies for vehicles. In particular, the present invention relates to a window assembly having a transparent area with characteristic enhancing slits.

0003In recent years, there has been an increasing demand for vehicle windows with a transparent film or coating embedded inside for various purposes. Such transparent films or coatings often contain metal compounds such as metal oxides, which make the transparent film or coating conductive. In recent years, transparent films or coatings have been applied to windows because they reflect the heat from the sunlight shining on the windows. In particular, the transparent film or coating reflects infrared radiation from sunlight. In doing so, the transparent film or coating reduces the amount of infrared radiation that enters the interior of the vehicle. The transparent film or coating can reduce the internal temperature as compared to a vehicle having a window without the transparent film or coating. As a result, the energy required to cool the vehicle's internal temperature is reduced during warm climates. To maximize the efficiency of the transparent film or coating against infrared radiation reflection, the transparent film or coating is often installed substantially over most of the window and often covers the entire field of view of the vehicle driver or occupant. To do.

<p num="0004"> For vehicle windows, it is known to utilize a transparent film or coating as a transparent antenna element. However, conventional transparent antennas used for windows are forced to deteriorate in characteristics as a result of ever-increasing electromagnetic interference. Therefore, there is a need for controlling the radiation pattern and impedance characteristics of such transparent antennas applied to windows. Also, the transparent antennas used in conventional windows are usually configured to operate only in a narrow frequency range. Therefore, the application of the conventional transparent antenna is limited.</p>

<p num="0005"> The present invention provides a window assembly for a vehicle. In one embodiment, the window assembly has a surface and a substantially transparent substrate. A transparent layer is installed on the surface, the transparent layer has a metal compound, and the transparent layer is conductive. The transparent layer defines a first region and a second region, which are separated from each other by a partition cut portion which is a missing portion of the transparent layer. The first and second regions are substantially congruent with each other. Feeding arrangements are coupled to the first and second regions, and the first and second regions are energized. At least one of the first and second regions defines a property-enhancing slit, in which the transparent layer is absent.</p><p num="0006"> Therefore, the transparent layer of the window assembly significantly reflects infrared radiation and provides a versatile antenna configuration. In particular, the window assembly can transmit and / or receive radio signals within frequencies in the broad range. The characteristic-enhancing slits also provide significantly better control over the radiation pattern and impedance characteristics of the window assembly. Therefore, the characteristic-enhancing slits ensure optimum efficiency of the window assembly when transmitting and / or receiving RF signals.</p><p num="0007"> Other advantages of the present invention are easily understood. Similarly, this is better understood by referring to the detailed description below and also considering the accompanying drawings.</p>

0008<figref num="1">FIG. 5 is a perspective view of a vehicle having a window assembly having a transparent layer arranged on a substrate and defining first and second regions according to an embodiment of the present invention. Each region is connected to a diversity receiver, and a characteristic enhancement slit is formed in the first region.</figref><figref num="2">FIG. 5 is a front view of a window assembly having a first region in which slits are formed according to another embodiment of the present invention.</figref><figref num="3">FIG. 5 is a front view of a window assembly having first and second regions according to another embodiment of the present invention. Each region defines a slit, which is arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis extending vertically across the substrate.</figref><figref num="4">FIG. 5 is a front view of a window assembly having first and second regions according to another embodiment of the present invention. Each region defines two slits, each slit parallel to an axis extending vertically across the substrate.</figref><figref num="5">FIG. 5 is a front view of a window assembly having first and second regions according to yet another embodiment of the present invention. Each region has two slits, which are oriented orthogonal to an axis that extends vertically across the substrate, with each slit extending from one perimeter of the first and second regions. To do.</figref><figref num="6">FIG. 5 is a front view of a window assembly having first and second regions separated by a straight section cut according to another embodiment of the present invention. The first and second regions each define two slits, which are arranged symmetrically with respect to the straight section cut portion.</figref><figref num="7">FIG. 5 is a front view of a window assembly having first and second regions separated by a straight section cut according to another embodiment of the present invention. The slits are arranged symmetrically with respect to the straight section cut and are defined within the perimeter of the first and second regions so that the slits are surrounded by a transparent layer.</figref><figref num="8">FIG. 5 is a front view of a window assembly having first and second regions according to another embodiment of the present invention. Each region defines two slits arranged symmetrically with respect to an axis extending horizontally across the substrate.</figref><figref num="9">In a partial cross-sectional view of a window assembly having a transparent layer installed on the outer surface of an inner substrate and a feeding element adjacent to the transparent layer and in direct electrical contact with the transparent layer according to an embodiment of the present invention. is there.</figref><figref num="10">A window assembly according to another embodiment of the present invention having a transparent layer installed between an inner substrate and an outer substrate, and a feeding element separated from the transparent layer and capacitively coupled to the transparent layer. It is a partial sectional view.</figref><figref num="11A">It is a graph which showed the frequency-gain characteristic of the window assembly of FIG.</figref><figref num="11B">It is a graph which showed the radiation pattern characteristic of the window assembly of FIG.</figref><figref num="12A">It is a graph which showed the frequency-gain characteristic of the window assembly of FIG.</figref><figref num="12B">It is a graph which showed the radiation pattern characteristic of the window assembly of FIG.</figref>

0009With reference to the drawings, in some fields of view, similar reference numerals represent corresponding parts and window assemblies are typically represented by 20. As shown in FIG. 1, the window assembly 20 is suitable for the vehicle 22. As shown in FIG. 1, the window assembly 20 may be a front window (windshield). Alternatively, the window assembly 20 may be a rear window (rear window), a roof window (sunroof), or any other window of the vehicle 22. Normally, the vehicle 22 defines an opening, and the window assembly 20 seals this opening. The opening is usually defined by the window frame of the vehicle 22.

0010The window assembly 20 has a substrate 24 which is substantially transparent. As used herein, the term "substantially transparent" is typically defined as having a visible light transmittance of greater than 60%. In one embodiment, the visible light transmittance of the substrate 24 exceeds 75%. In yet another embodiment, the visible light transmittance of the substrate 24 exceeds 90%.

0011In one embodiment, the substrate 24 is a single integrally formed piece. In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the substrate 24 has an external substrate 26 and an internal substrate 28 arranged adjacent to the external substrate. The outer substrate 26 is arranged parallel to the inner substrate 28 and separated from the inner substrate. In this embodiment, the outer substrate 26 and the inner substrate 28 are joined to each other to form the substrate 24. The outer substrate 26 and the inner substrate 28 are preferably made of a single piece of glass (glass pane). The glass pane is preferably automobile glass, more preferably soda lime silica glass. However, the outer substrate 26 and the inner substrate 28 may be plastic, fiberglass, or other suitable non-conductive, substantially transparent material.

0012Generally, the outer substrate 26 and the inner substrate 28 are non-conductive. In the present application, the term "non-conductive" usually refers to materials such as insulators or dielectrics in which the current flowing through the material is negligible when placed between conductors at different electrical potentials. Represent. Further, the outer substrate 26 and the inner substrate 28 are substantially transparent to light. However, the outer substrate 26 and the inner substrate 28 may be colored or dyed.

0013The substrate 24 may have a plurality of surfaces. For example, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, each of the outer substrate 26 and the inner substrate 28 has inner surfaces 26a, 28a and outer surfaces 26b, 28b. The outer surface 26b of the outer substrate 26 typically faces the outside of the vehicle 22. The outer surface 28b of the inner substrate 28 typically faces the interior of the vehicle 22. Normally, when the outer substrate 26 and the inner substrate 28 are joined to each other to form the substrate 24, the inner surfaces 26a and 28a of the outer substrate 26 and the inner substrate 28 face each other.

0014As shown in FIGS. 2 to 8, the substrate 24 defines a circumference 30. Alternatively, the circumference 30 may be defined as the peripheral end of the substrate 24. The circumference 30 has an upper peripheral end portion 30a and an opposing lower peripheral end portion 30b. The circumference 30 usually has opposite side peripheral ends 30c, 30d, which are connected to the upper and lower peripheral ends 30a, 30b. In the present application, the terms "upper side" and "lower side" are usually used when orienting the circumference 30 of the substrate 24 with respect to the ground surface, and the upper peripheral end portion 30a is the ground surface more than the lower peripheral end portion 30b. It is arranged so as to be higher than the relative position. However, the terms "upper" and "lower" do not mean limiting the orientation of the upper and lower peripheral ends 30a, 30b. Therefore, the upper and lower peripheral end portions 30a and 30b may have different arrangements as long as they do not deviate from the scope of the present invention. Further, the upper side, the lower side, and / or the side peripheral end portions 30a, 30b, 30c, and 30d may be curved or linear.

0015When used as the windshield of the vehicle 22, the circumference 30 of the substrate 24 usually has a trapezoidal configuration as shown in FIGS. 2 to 8. However, the circumference 30 of the substrate 24 may have other shapes not specifically described in the present application.

0016As shown in FIGS. 2 to 7, the shaft 40 extends vertically between the upper and lower peripheral ends 30a and 30b of the substrate 24. In such an example, the shaft 40 is typically located at the horizontal center position of the substrate 24. The shaft 40 typically divides the circumference 30 of the substrate 24 into two substantially similar regions. If the circumference 30 of the substrate 24 has a symmetrical configuration, the shaft 40 may separate the substrate 24 into congruent regions. In FIG. 8, the shaft 40 extends horizontally between the upper peripheral edge 30a and the lower peripheral edge 30b. In one embodiment, the shaft 40 is substantially located at the vertical center position of the substrate 24.

0017As shown in FIGS. 1 to 10, the window assembly 20 has a transparent layer 50. The transparent layer 50 is arranged on the surface of the substrate 24. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the transparent layer 50 is arranged on the outer surface 28b of the inner substrate 28. In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the transparent layer 50 is arranged between the inner surface 26a of the outer substrate 26 and the inner surface 28a of the inner substrate 28. In such an example, the transparent layer 50 is protected from direct contact with environmental factors that can damage the transparent layer 50.

0018Although not essential, as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, an intermediate layer 29 may be arranged between the inner surfaces 26a and 28a of the outer substrate 26 and the inner substrate 28. It is preferable that the intermediate layer 29 connects the outer substrate 26 and the inner substrate 28 to prevent the window assembly 20 from being crushed at the time of impact. Also, the intermediate layer 29 is usually transparent to light and contains a polymeric or thermoplastic resin such as polyvinyl butyral (PVB). However, other suitable materials are also available in the implementation of intermediate layer 29. Typically, the intermediate layer 29 has a thickness between 0.5 mm and 1 mm.

0019The intermediate layer 29 may be arranged adjacent to the transparent layer 50. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the intermediate layer 29 is arranged between the transparent layer 50 and the inner surface 26a of the outer substrate 26. Alternatively, the transparent layer 50 may be arranged between the intermediate layer 29 and the inner surface 28a of the inner substrate 28. The window assembly 20 preferably has a transparent layer 50 and an intermediate layer 29 sandwiched between the outer substrate 26 and the inner substrate 28, in which case the intermediate layer 29 and the transparent layer 50 are the outer substrate 26 and / Alternatively, it is in contact with the inner surfaces 26a and 28a of the inner substrate 28. Alternatively, although not shown in the figure, the transparent layer 50 may be embedded within the intermediate layer 29, in which case it is understood that the transparent layer 50 is sandwiched between the intermediate layers 29 on both sides. ..

0020The transparent layer 50 is substantially transparent to light. Therefore, the driver or occupant of the vehicle 22 can see outside through the substrate 24 having the transparent layer 50. The transparent layer 50 preferably reflects heat from the sun that penetrates the substrate 24. In that case, the transparent layer 50 suppresses the transmission of infrared radiation through the substrate 24. The transparent layer 50 may further act as an anti-fog element or a defrosting element to provide a heating function to the substrate 24.

0021In one embodiment, the transparent layer 50 is a film. In another embodiment, the transparent layer 50 is a coating. The transparent layer 50 may be applied to the surface of the substrate 24 by any suitable method such as a chemical vapor deposition method, a magnetron sputtering vapor deposition method, or a spray pyrolysis method.

0022The transparent layer 50 contains a metal compound that makes the transparent layer 50 conductive. As used herein, the term "conductive" usually refers to a material that exhibits low electrical resistance, such as a conductor, through which current effectively flows through the material. The metal compound preferably contains a metal oxide. However, the metal compound may further contain a metal nitride or the like. The metal oxide may include tin oxide, such as indium tin oxide. However, the transparent layer 50 may contain other metal oxides, including, but not limited to, silver oxides. The metal compound may also be doped with an additive such as fluorine. In particular, the additive may be included in the metal compound to optimize the light transmission and electrical resistance of the transparent layer 50. The transparent layer 50 may have any suitable sheet electrical resistance that quantifies the function of the transparent layer 50 to counter the flow of current through the transparent layer 50. Sheet resistance is also known as surface resistance. In one example, the transparent layer 24 has a sheet resistance in the range of 0.5 to 20 Ω / .

0023In one embodiment, the transparent layer 50 occupies at least most of the surface of the substrate 24. In the present application, the majority is defined as being larger than 50% of the surface area. Usually, the transparent layer 50 covers at least most of the surface in order to maximize the transmission of infrared radiation through the substrate 24. In another embodiment, the transparent layer 50 may occupy a small portion of the surface. Alternatively, the transparent layer 50 may occupy the entire substrate 24, in which case the transparent layer 50 extends to the circumference 30 of the substrate 24. The transparent layer 50 may have a shape substantially equal to the circumference 30 of the substrate 24. Alternatively, the transparent layer 50 may have any suitable shape.

0024As shown in FIGS. 1 to 8, an outer region 56 is formed between the transparent layer 50 and the circumference 30 of the substrate 24 on the substrate 24. The outer region 56 is the region where the transparent layer 50 is missing and is therefore non-conductive. The outer region 56 has a width defined as the distance between the transparent layer 50 and the circumference 30 of the substrate 24. The width is preferably greater than 0 mm and less than 200 mm.

0025Vehicle devices such as mirrors or rain sensors may be mounted or installed on the substrate 24. The presence of the transparent layer 50 at the position where the vehicle device is attached to the substrate 24 can adversely affect the characteristics of the vehicle device. Therefore, the transparent layer 50 usually has an opening in the vicinity of the upper peripheral end portion 30a of the substrate 24, and the attachment of the vehicle device is accommodated in the substrate 24. In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2-7, the opening is open to the outer region 56 so that the outer region 56 extends in the vicinity of the upper peripheral 30a of the substrate 24. The opening may have any suitable shape, and may be U-shaped or the like as shown in FIGS. 2 to 7. The shaft 40 may have a separate opening. In another embodiment, the opening is surrounded by a transparent layer 50 so that the opening is separated from the outer region 56 and does not extend into the outer region 56. The opening may be defined in the vicinity of the shaft 40. If an opening is required, the transparent layer 50 may be modified to the extent necessary for the present invention to function properly.

0026The transparent layer 50 defines a first region 60 and a second region 62. The first and second regions 60, 62 are substantially congruent with each other. Each of the first and second regions 60 and 62 defines the area and shape. As used herein, the term "substantially congruent" usually means that the first and second regions 60, 62 have substantially the same area and substantially the same shape. In one example, as shown in FIGS. 1-7, the first and second regions 60, 62 have equal area and equal shape, and the first and second regions 60, 62 are perfectly congruent. Is. However, the first and second regions 60 and 62 may be substantially congruent. Thus, the term "substantially congruent" further means that the area of the first region 60 is larger or smaller than the area of the second region 62 by no more than 10%. The shape of the region 60 is defined as meaning that it is geometrically similar to the shape of the second region 62 by at least 90%. Geometrical similarities are evaluated by scaling (proportional scaling), rotation, translation, and / or reflection of first and / or second regions 60, 62, first and first. The shapes of regions 60 and 62 of 2 are geometrically congruent as much as possible. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the first region 60 and the second region 62 are not completely congruent, but substantially congruent. Specifically, the area of the first region 60 is less than 10% less than the area of the second region, and the shape of the first region 60 is at least 90% geometric with the shape of the second region 62. Geometrically similar.

0027The first region 60 defines the first perimeter 70, and the second region 62 defines the second perimeter 80. Each of the first and second perimeters 70, 80 may have outer ends 70a, 80a, and inner ends 70b, 80b. At each of the first and second perimeters 70, 80, the outer ends 70a, 80a face the inner ends 70b, 80b. In the present application, the term "inside" refers to the first and second perimeters 70, 80 so that the inner ends 70b, 80b of the first and second circumferences 70, 80 face each other adjacent to each other. Is used when orienting. In one embodiment, each of the first and second perimeters 70, 80 further has side ends 70c, 80c and opposite side ends 70d, 80d, which are outer ends 70a, Connected to 80a and inner ends 70b, 80b.

0028The first and second regions 60, 62, respectively, are configured to act as diversity antenna elements that transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. Each of the first and second regions 60, 62 may be configured to transmit and / or receive linear or circularly deflected radio frequency signals. In particular, linearly deflected RF signals transmitted and / or received by first and second regions 60, 62 include, but are not limited to, AM, FM, RKE (remote keyless entry), or TV signals. Is included. Circularly deflected RF signals transmitted and / or received by the first and second regions 60, 62 include, but are not limited to, SDARS (satellite radio) or GPS signals. As shown in FIG. 1, the diversity receiver 82 may be configured and provided to select the optimal one of the radio frequency signals received by the first and second regions.

0029The first and second perimeters 70, 80 may have any suitable shape without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, as mainly shown in the drawings, the first and second perimeters 70, 80 have a quadrangular configuration. However, the first and second perimeters 70, 80 may have other configurations, including, but not limited to, triangular or semi-circular configurations.

0030The first and second perimeters 70, 80 may be oriented with respect to the circumference 30 of the substrate 24 in various different arrangements. For example, as shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the inner ends 70b and 80b of the first and second perimeters 70 and 80 are substantially the upper and lower peripheral ends 30a and 30b of the substrate 24. Arranged so as to be orthogonal. In another example, as shown in FIG. 8, the inner ends 70b, 80b of the first and second perimeters 70, 80, respectively, are substantially the upper and lower peripheral ends 30a, 30b of the substrate 24. Arranged in parallel.

0031In one embodiment, each of the inner edge 70b of the first perimeter 70 and the inner edge 80b of the second perimeter 80 has a linear arrangement. The inner ends 70b, 80b extend substantially parallel to each other. As shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, the inner end 70b of the first perimeter 70 and the inner end 80b of the second perimeter 80 may be evenly spaced from the shaft 40. In other words, the shaft 40 is equidistant from the inner ends 70b, 80b. The inner ends 70b and 80b are preferably separated by less than 10 mm. In another embodiment, the inner ends 70b, 80b are in a non-linear arrangement and the inner ends 70b, 80b do not extend parallel to each other.

0032The first and second regions 60 and 62 are separated from each other by the compartment cut portion 86. The compartment cut portion 86 is a missing portion of the transparent layer 50 and is non-conductive. Generally, the compartment cut portion 86 is opened to the outer region 56 so that the compartment cut portion 86 and the outer region 56 form a common non-conductive region. The compartment cut portion 86 is defined by the inner ends 70b, 80b of the first and second perimeters 70, 80, respectively. In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1-8, the compartment cut portion 86 has a linear arrangement defined by adjacent first and second regions 60, 62. More specifically, the linear arrangement of the compartment cuts 86 is defined by the adjacent inner ends 70b, 80b of the first and second perimeters 70, 80. As described above, the inner ends 70b and 80b are preferably separated by less than 10 mm. In that case, the compartment cut portion 86 preferably has a width of less than 10 mm. In another embodiment, the compartment cut portion 86 may have a non-linear arrangement, such as a curved arrangement. The compartment cut portion 86 may be formed on the substrate 24 by any conventional suitable technique. For example, the removal or deletion of the region of the transparent layer 50 that defines the compartment cut portion 86 may be performed using a mask treatment, a laser, a polishing tool, a chemical removal, a mechanical cutting tool, or the like.

0033As shown in FIG. 1, the window assembly 20 has a feeding arrangement 90, which is coupled to the transparent layer 50, more specifically to the first and second regions 60, 62. .. The power supply arrangement 90 energizes the first and second regions 60, 62 so that the first and second regions 60, 62 transmit and / or receive radio frequency signals. The first and second regions 60, 62 are connected to the diversity receiver 82 via the feed arrangement 90. With respect to the power supply arrangement 90, the term "energy" describes the electrical relationship between the power supply arrangement 90 and the first and second regions 60, 62, whereby the power supply arrangement 90 It is understood that the first and second regions 60, 62 are excited for radio wave transmission and are electrically coupled to the first and second regions 60, 62 for reception of incident radio waves. ..

0034The feed arrangement 90 may have any suitable configuration for energizing the first and second regions 60, 62. As shown in FIGS. 9 and 10, the feeding arrangement 90 typically has at least one feeding element 92. In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, the feed arrangement 90 has two separate feed elements 92, each separately coupled to one of the first and second regions 60, 62. To. In another embodiment, the feed arrangement 90 has one feed element 90, which is coupled to both the first and second regions 60, 62. The feeding element 92 may contain any suitable material that energizes the first and second regions 60, 62. The feeding element 92 may also have any suitable arrangement, including, but not limited to, feeding strips, feeding wiring, or combinations thereof.

0035The feeding element 92 may be arranged on any surface of the substrate 24. Further, the feeding element 92 may be arranged on the same plane as the transparent layer 50 or on a different plane. Primarily as shown in the figure, each of the first and second regions 60, 62 has a tab 94 of the transparent layer 50, which is integrated from the first and second regions 60, 62, respectively. May be stretched. The tab 94 extends beyond the first and second perimeters 70, 80, respectively, to the outer region 56. The tab 94 allows the feeding element 92 to be easily connected to the first and second regions 60, 62 without obstructing the field of view through the substrate 24.

0036In one embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the feeding element 92 borders the transparent layer 50 and is in direct electrical contact with the transparent layer 50. Here, the feeding element 92 may be wired directly to the transparent layer 50 or soldered to the transparent layer 50. The feeding element 92 supplies current directly to the transparent layer 50 via a conductive material physically attached to the transparent layer 50, such as a feeding strip or wiring. The feeding element 92 borders on the transparent layer 50 and is in direct electrical contact, although the transparent layer 50 may be located on any layer of the substrate 24. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 10, the feeding element 92 may be separated from the transparent layer 50 and capacitively coupled to the transparent layer 50. In such an example, the feeding element 92 directs a current through the transparent layer 50 via air or a dielectric material, such as the external or internal substrates 26, 28. In such an embodiment, the feeding element 92 is usually not directly wired or in direct contact with the transparent layer 50. The power feeding element 92 is usually arranged on a plane different from that of the transparent layer 50. The first and second regions 60, 62 may be energized by a feed arrangement 90 with other configurations not specifically shown in the present application.

0037As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, at least one of the first and second regions 60, 62 defines the property-enhancing slit 96, where the transparent layer 50 is absent. The slit 96 is configured to operate as at least one of an impedance matching element and a radiation pattern changing element. In one embodiment, the slit 96 is configured to operate only as an impedance matching element. In another embodiment, the slit 96 is configured to operate only as a radiation pattern changing element. As a matter of course, the slit 96 may be configured to operate simultaneously as both an impedance matching element and a radiation pattern changing element.

0038The slit 96 may operate as an impedance matching element by matching the impedances of the first and second regions 60 and 62 with the impedance of the cable. The cable may be, for example, a coaxial cable used for energizing the first and / or second regions 60, 62, as shown below.

0039The slit 96 may act as a radiation pattern changing element by redirecting the radio signals transmitted and / or received from the first and / or second regions 60, 62. More specifically, the slit 96 changes the direction in which the radio signal is transmitted and / or received so that the radiation patterns in the first and / or second regions 60, 62 show greater omnidirectionality. .. The slit 96 allows for greater control over the impedance characteristics and radiation patterns of the first and second regions 60, 62, which act as antenna elements. The slit 96 helps reduce electromagnetic interference and provides optimum efficiency. Therefore, the slit 96 enhances the characteristics of the first and / or second regions 60, 62. As mentioned above, the transparent layer 50, more specifically the first and / or second regions 60, 62, may further act as anti-fog or defrosting elements, if desired. In such an example, without departing from the scope of the present invention, the first region 60, the second region 62, and / or the slit 96 so as to provide any antifogging or defrosting function of the transparent layer 50. May be changed.

0040In one embodiment, the slit 96 has a linear arrangement as defined by one of the transparent layers 50 of the first and second regions 60, 62. It is preferable that the transparent layer 50, which determines the arrangement structure of the slit 96, is uniformly separated by less than 2 mm. In another embodiment, the slit 96 has a non-linear arrangement, such as a curved arrangement, a zigzag arrangement, or the like. The slit 96 may be stretched to various suitable lengths. In some examples, the slit 96 may have a length greater than 200 mm. The slit 96 may be formed on the substrate 24 by any conventional suitable technique. For example, the removal or deletion of the selected portion of the transparent layer 50 corresponding to the slit 96 may be performed using a masking, laser, polishing tool, chemical removal, mechanical cutting tool or the like.

0041In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 7, the first region 60 defines the first slit 96a and the second region 62 defines the second slit 96b. The first and second slits 96a and 96b may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis 40. As shown in FIG. 3, the first and second slits 96a and 96b are oriented so as to be substantially orthogonal to the axis 40. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 7, the first and second slits 96a, 96b are oriented substantially parallel to the axis 40.

0042In another embodiment, the first and second slits 96a, 96b may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the linear arrangement of the compartment cut portion 86. In other words, the first and second slits 96a, 96b may be oriented with respect to the first and second perimeters 70, 80, regardless of the circumference 30 or axis 40 of the substrate 24. Of course, the first and second slits 96a, 96b may be arranged symmetrically with respect to the linear arrangement of the axis 40, the compartment cut 86, or both.

0043In one embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 1-5 and 8, the slit 96 goes from the first and second perimeters 70, 80, respectively, to one of the first and second regions 60, 62. Stretch. As shown in FIG. 3, the first slit 96a extends from the first perimeter 70 to the first region 60, and the second slit 96b extends from the second perimeter 80 to the second region 62. .. Here, the first and second slits 96a and 96b are usually opened in the outer region 56. In some embodiments, the first slit 96a may extend from one position in the first perimeter 70 to the first region 60. Similarly, the second slit 96b extends from one position of the second perimeter 80 to the second region 62. In other words, in such an example, the first and second slits 96a, 96b are such that the first and second slits 96a, 96b occlude the first and second regions 60, 62, respectively. It does not stretch over the first and second regions 60, 62, respectively, to the extent that it is completely divided into smaller regions.

0044In another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, the slit 96 is defined inside one of the first and second perimeters 70, 80, and the slit 96 is surrounded by the transparent layer 50. For example, in FIG. 7, the first slit 96a is defined so that the first slit 96a is surrounded by the transparent layer 50 of the first region 60 within the first periphery 70. Similarly, the second slit 96b is defined so that within the second perimeter 80, the second slit 96b is surrounded by the transparent layer 50 of the second region 62. Here, the first and second slits 96a and 96b are separated from the outer region 56, and the first and second slits 96a and 96b are not opened in the outer region 56.

0045In yet another embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 2 to 3, 5 to 6, and 8, the first slit 96a is formed on the side end faces 70c of the first periphery 70 or the side end faces 70d facing each other. Stretch substantially parallel to at least one. Similarly, the second slit 96b extends substantially parallel to at least one of the side end faces 80c of the second perimeter 80 or the opposite side end faces 80d. Alternatively, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 7, the first slit 96a extends substantially parallel to one of the outer and inner ends 70a and inner end 70b of the first perimeter 70. Similarly, the second slit 96b extends substantially parallel to one of the outer and inner ends 80a of the second perimeter 80.

0046The first and second regions 60, 62 may have two or more slits 96. As shown in FIGS. 4-6 and 8, each of the first and second regions 60, 82 has a set of slits 96. In the embodiment of FIG. 4, the first region 60 defines the first slit 96a and the third slit 96c. The second region 62 defines the second slit 96b and the fourth slit 96d. Each of the first and third slits 96a, 96c extends from one position of the first perimeter 70 to the first region 60. Each of the second and fourth slits 96b, 96d extends from one position of the second perimeter 80 to the second region 62. The first and third slits 96a and 96c are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis 40 with respect to the second and fourth slits 96b and 96d. Each of the slits 96a, 96b, 96c and 96d is arranged substantially parallel to the axis 40. In this embodiment, the first slit 96a extends from one of the side edges 70c of the first perimeter 70. The second slit 96b extends from one of the side edges 80c of the second perimeter 80. The third slit 96c extends from the opposite side end 70d of the first perimeter 70. The fourth slit 96d extends from the opposite side end 80d of the second perimeter 80. Therefore, the first and second slits 96a, 96b extend symmetrically from the corresponding side portions 70c, 80c of the first and second perimeters 70, 80, respectively. Similarly, the third and fourth slits 96c, 96d extend symmetrically from the corresponding sides 70d, 80d of the first and second perimeters 70, 80, respectively. 11A and 11B show the excellent frequency-gain and radiation pattern characteristics of the window assembly 20 embodiment shown in FIG. 4, respectively. The frequency-gain and radiation pattern characteristics shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B were obtained with the window assembly 20 shown in FIG. 4, but the window assembly 20 of FIG. 4 does not necessarily show the scale. Not. Therefore, the specific frequency-gain and radiation pattern characteristics shown in FIGS. 11A and 11B.

0047In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 5, the first region 60 defines the first slit 96a and the third slit 96c, and the second region 62 defines the second slit 96b and the fourth slit 96b. Define the slit 96d. Each of the first and third slits 96a, 96c extends from one position of the first perimeter 70 to the first region 60. Each of the second and fourth slits 96b, 96d extends from one position of the second perimeter 80 to the second region 62. The first and third slits 96a and 96c are arranged symmetrically with respect to the axis 40 and the second and fourth slits 96b and 96d. The slits 96a, 96b, 96c, and 96d are oriented so as to be substantially orthogonal to the axis 40. In this embodiment, the first slit 96a extends from the outer end 70a of the first perimeter 70 and is more lateral to the first perimeter 70 than the opposing side end 70d of the first perimeter 70. It is placed close to one of the 70c. The second slit 96b extends from the outer end 80a of the second circumference 80 and becomes one of the side ends 80c of the second circumference 80 rather than the opposite side end 80d of the second circumference 80. Placed close together. The third slit 96c extends from the outer end 70a of the first circumference 70 and becomes one of the opposite side ends 70d of the first circumference 70 rather than the side end 70c of the first circumference 70. Placed close together. The fourth slit 96d extends from the outer end 80a of the second circumference 80 and becomes one of the opposite side ends 80d of the second circumference 80 rather than the side end 80c of the second circumference 80. Placed close together. Therefore, the first and second slits 96a and 96b are arranged symmetrically in close proximity to the corresponding side ends 70c and 80c of the first and second perimeters 70 and 80, respectively. Similarly, the third and fourth slits 96c, 96d are arranged symmetrically in close proximity to the corresponding opposite side ends 70d, 80d of the first and second perimeters 70, 80, respectively. 12A and 12B show the excellent frequency-gain and radiation pattern characteristics of the window assembly 20 embodiment shown in FIG. 5, respectively. Figure 12A and Figure The frequency-gain and radiation pattern characteristics shown in 12B were obtained with the window assembly 20 shown in FIG. 5, but the scale is not necessarily shown in the window assembly 20 shown in FIG. Thus, the specific frequencies shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B-the specific frequencies shown in FIGS. 12A and 12B-although the gain and radiation pattern characteristics substantially correspond to the window assembly 20 shown in FIG. Gain and radiation pattern characteristics may differ to some extent from actual test results.

0048As described above, the first, second, third, or fourth slits 96a, 96b, 96c, 96d may be configured to operate as at least one of an impedance matching element and a radiation pattern changing element. .. Therefore, in one example, the first and second slits 96a and 96b are configured to operate as impedance matching elements, and the third and fourth slits 96c and 96d are configured to operate as radiation pattern changing elements. May be done.

0049The present invention has been described with reference to an example. It is understood that the terms used are not limiting and are intended to be the nature of the terms described. In light of the above suggestions, it is clear that many changes and modifications are possible. The present invention may be carried out by a method other than that specifically shown, without departing from the scope of the appended claims.